Having had to work excessively hard to grab the home win during the first match-up, Sparta&K experienced a similar feeling this time around, after having to survive a worrying late drought.

A commanding 20-8 start allowed them to impose themselves early, and with Candice Dupree in irresistible form and Isabelle Yacoubou back to wreak havoc under the hoops, the visitors were always in the ascendancy before their late wobble.

Their quick-fire start put them in control, although to the credit of Targoviste, the hosts did fight back in the wake of a dreadful start, holding Sparta&K to a mere 12 points during the second quarter.

And, their momentum continued during the third period, a brilliant run making it a one-shot game at 49-47 after a basket by Jillian Robbins.

But, Sparta&K re-discovered their offensive rhythm and a devastating 15-2 burst seemed to kill off any chance Targoviste had of springing an upset.

But, the home side rallied and after trailing 67-52 with less than four minutes to play, they managed to hold Sparta&K to just one further point in the game, to be knocked out of the competition with their heads held high and fighting.

Robbins had a double-double for Targoviste with 15 points and 12 rebounds whilst Ivanka Matic top-scored with 18 points.

Dupree was excellent for the winning team with 16 points and ten rebounds whilst Yacoubou had 15 points after being continually sent to the free-throw line.

COACH QUOTES

"I want to congratulate the team from Targoviste, they acted like a team, also everybody from the organization of the game, it was a top organization and a great atmosphere. About the game, our goal was not to let Targoviste score over 65 points. It was a great game, congratulations to both teams."

Isabelle Yacoubou, Spartak&K M.R. Vidnoje:

Thanks to everybody, we felt so good here in Targoviste; two days ago I was sick, but due to the atmosphere I recovered and played. We must focus now on playing in the Final Eight."

Florin Nini, Municipal Targoviste coach:

"It is a great honour for us to meet such a great team and to play so well against them; we respected our opponents but were been afraid of them. We demonstrated that character and attitude can sometimes make up for the difference in [team] value. Congratulations to my team and thanks to the fans."

Jillian Robbins, Municipal Targoviste:

"I have played in Russia, and believe me, I know how it is to loose by 20, 30 or 40 points. So, we had a great game today, congratulations to my team, we couldn't have realised this without the support of the fans, of all the Targoviste people. Thank you everybody."